A classic obelisk, as exemplified by the ancient Egyptians, is a narrow tapering four sided affair whose top is pyramidal. Ancient obelisks were usually carved all of a piece. The obelisk known as the Place de la Concorde was one of a pair given as a gift from Egypt to France the the late 1820’s. This single piece of red granite some 75 feet tall, and weighing 280 tons, was erected in Paris in 1833. Its mate is still in front of the ruins of the temple at Luxor. Too heavy to move, the French government formally returned it to Egypt in 1990. This single obelisk is true to the narrow definition of such a structure; it is a landmark and monument that organizes a vast space awash in French history, and is visible from all Paris. The base of the obelisk is inscribed with information about the mechanics of moving this sculpture from Luxor to Paris-an incredible feat, given the rudimentary technology of the time. It is indeed an appropriately grand and monumental sculpture. In the distance of this photograph taken by CB Margineaux, the Eiffel Tower.

This iconic structure is one of the wonders of the modern world. It is instantly recognizable. Much has been written about its sculptor, the engineer Gustave Eiffel. To my mind, it is the most extraordinarily inventive, strikingly beautiful, and imposing garden obelisk ever created. The phrase “tour de force” comes to mind. It was the tallest monument in the world when it was built. The epic story of its design, engineering, and creation is the subject of an epic book “Gustave Eiffel: De Tour Le 300 Metres”, written by Bertrand Lemoine, and published by Taschen. Who would have a such a book, including reproductions of the original construction drawings? Buck, of course.

Why this rudimentary discussion of the the much documented and much admired monuments that dominate the landscape of Paris? I have a great passion for landscape ornament. I buy and sell-new, vintage, and antique ornament. I have studied their history, and familiarized myself with their classic forms, though I welcome any new take or invention. I design landscapes with places for garden ornament. I design and manufacture garden ornament. This is the long way of saying that ornament for the garden has held my critical interest for a very long time. This pair of iron obelisks and bases was offered for sale at www.outsidedown.1stdibs.com Though they have a much smaller scale than the obelisks in Paris, they are still very serious and dignified. The ball feet that separate the obelisk from the base is a very graceful gesture, in contrast to their classical stature. They have a texturally dense and important surface. They ask for a large space, and a very formal garden.

This pair of obelisks from the same site are pared down version of the previous set. They have weight via the thickness of the metal, but are much less demanding visually. They have a more modern look, and appeal. Try as I may, I cannot find exactly where I saw these-perhaps from http://garycsharpe.blogspot.com/ (which is an excellent blog, if you have an interest in antiques and their provenance).

This steel wire obelisk is slight – airy. Its formal shape would work well in my city garden, without overpowering the space. The vertical members that terminate in small spheres stop short of creating too much steely congestion at the top. Tom Chambers, the person who designed this obelisk and many others-I admire his work. He understands much about the power of a very simple gesture. I could readily place this obelisk in a garden. Its size, proportion, and aspect is both modest and distinctive.

An obelisk made of wood is markedly different from those grand monuments made from stone or steel. This design, and the sizes of the individual wood members interpret the garden obelisk on a personal and clearly human scale. From the Egyptian obelisk at the Place de la Concorde to this obelisk in a meadow garden-a change of venue. This garden asks for an obelisk such as this. Great design is so much about proper scale and proportion. I like the looks of this. It is up to the gardener to choose ornament that reflects an authenticity of place. This obelisk is made by and available from www.stuartgarden.com.

This pared down 2″ by 2″ cedar stick obelisk is beginning to strongly suggest the vegetable garden. Directions for building wood garden obelisks can be readily found on line. I would not place this obelisk in a classic French potager-but my exposure to such a place is not all that frequent. I have plenty of clients who have become quite interested and committed to growing food at home. This obelisk begins to address their utilitarian issues. My point here? A classically proportioned and very tall stone obelisk in my city garden, or my client’s vegetable gardens, would only be a monument to my lack of critical thinking. I need to scale, proportion or choose an obelisk that feels right for the garden. It is a good thing that there are many from which to choose.

These issues drive my design work. I can be grand. I can secure and plant a collection of peonies that describes a century of hybridizing. I can amass and grow on a collection of hellebores, or magnolias. I can plant a pinetum, with all of the attending documentation. Or I can scale back, and be driven by the dirt. This trio of obelisks look great, and provide triple the support to a grove of tomatoes. http://chiotsrun.com/2011/03/09/structural-elements-arbors-and-trellises/

These bamboo obelisks with their grapevine ball topknots make reference to a grand tradition-just a reference. Interpreting history and tradition in an appropriate way is part of my job. These bamboo obelisks are simple, but they work. This garden has lots to look at; the pots and obelisks are just part of a bigger scheme.

These steel obelisks made at the Branch studio are a result of my knowledge of the proportions and history of obelisks, and my relationship with a treasured client. Do these obelisks challenge the Place De La Concorde? Of course not! Garden challenges are almost always personal. Great gardens are about a person with a well developed point of view, and a passion for gardens. A thoughtful designer might add a little something to that mix. I made sure the obelisk was tall enough for a vigorously growing heirloom tomato. There are very long steel prongs which go into the soil, and help keep the structure vertical. The diamond lattice is large enough to permit the hands that pick the fruit. I am intrigued by the history and diverse expressions of this form. Perhaps I will try designing another.

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About the Author

Deborah Silver is a landscape and garden designer whose firm, Deborah Silver and Co Inc, opened its doors in 1986. She opened Detroit Garden Works, a retail store devoted to fine and unusual garden ornament and specialty plants, in 1996. In 2004, she opened the Branch studio, a subsidiary of the landscape company which designs and manufactures garden ornament in a variety of media. Though her formal education is in English literature and biology, she worked as a fine artist in watercolor and pastel from 1972-1983. A job in a nursery, to help support herself as an artist in the early 80’s evolved into a career in landscape and garden design. Her landscape design and installation projects combine a thorough knowledge of horticulture with an artist’s eye for design. Her three companies provide a wide range of products and services to the serious gardener. She has been writing this journal style blog since April of 2009.